November is the last month of the peak trekking season of autumn. It is one of the best months for treks and tours in Nepal, including for Everest Base Camp Trek.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a wonderful and thrilling experience regardless of the time of the year. In November, you can do this trek with some of the best weather and trail conditions. You can also enjoy the famous magnificent mountain views of the Everest Region.
Besides these, you can also enjoy the company and energy of fellow trekkers in November.
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Highlights of Everest Base Camp trek in November:
- Mountain flight to and from Lukla-Kathmandu:
You can enjoy clear aerial views of the surrounding mountains of the Everest Region. You can also get a glimpse of the rivers and hills.
- Splendid panoramic and up-close views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam.
- Experience native Sherpa culture and lifestyle:
A chance to witness the rich culture and lifestyle of the legendary Sherpas. You can visit and stay at traditional local villages along the trails. You can also try local delicacies.
- Crisp sunrise and sunset view:
You can enjoy clear sunrise and sunset over the beautiful landscape surrounded by mountain peaks.
- Explore the ancient Buddhist Monasteries:
Throughout the trails, you can visit several ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupa. Along with these, you can also see many mani walls and prayer wheels.
- Kala Patthar:
You can enjoy breathtaking and panoramic views from an altitude of 5,643 meters. Some of the mountains you can see are Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Everest.
- A chance to witness the most colorful festival of Everest Region- Mani Rimdu. This takes place in the full moon of November. Hence, the date changes every year.
- Enjoy the diversity of the flora and fauna of the natural world heritage site- Sagarmatha National Park.
- Trek in clear and comfortable weather condition and temperature.
Weather Conditions and Temperature in November
November is the end of the autumn season in Nepal. The ideal weather conditions for treks of October continue throughout November. November is one of the more stable months in terms of weather in the Everest region.
The more stable weather conditions make your trekking experience to Everest Base Camp a wonderful one.
As the month progresses, there may be some notable changes in the weather.
The weather is quite comfortable for treks in November. It is neither too hot nor too cold.
The days are sunny and bright. The clear weather condition allows for amazing visibility of the surrounding scenery.
You can expect 6-7 hours of sunshine per day. The average daily wind speed in November is around 8-11 km/hr or 5-7 mph.
You can enjoy the glorious and clear panoramas from the different vantage points of Everest Base Camp trek.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a mid-long duration trek and has a wide range of elevations. So, you will face different temperature ranges throughout your trek. To give you a better idea, given below is a table with the main rest stops during the Everest Base Camp trek in November.
Place | Altitude | Average Temp. | Min. Temp. | Max. Temp. |
Lukla | 2,829 m | 6.5°C | 0.9°C | 12.2°C |
Namche | 3,463 m | 2.9°C | -3.4°C | 9.2°C |
Dingboche | 4,483 m | -2.9 °C | -11°C | 5.3°C |
Lobuche | 4,910 m | -5.5°C | -13.8°C | 2.8°C |
Gorak Shep | 5180 m | -6.6°C | -14.9°C | 1.8°C |
The precipitation this month is also close to nil. So, your Everest Base Camp trek in November will be free of rainfall. The moderate temperatures along with the dry weather mean the trails are at their best conditions.
Note: The weather conditions in the high altitudes are quite unpredictable. This is true for November- one of the favorable months for Everest Base Camp trek as well. You must also expect extreme weather conditions at the passes and in Everest Base Camp.
Route Options for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal
Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular trek destinations of Nepal. It lies in the famous Everest Region. Hence, there are many trekking trails and destinations you can add or remove to your Everest Base Camp trek.
Due to good and more stable weather conditions, all Everest Region has to offer is open for you. Depending on what you expect and prefer your trekking experience you can choose the following routes:
Direct EBC Trek or the Lukla-EBC-Lukla Route:
This is the most popular route for the EBC trek. It takes you directly to EBC and back. In November, if you enjoy the energy and the aura of the crowds of fellow trekkers and potential climbers, this is the route for you.
It is also the ideal route for beginners and novice trekkers as well as for solo trekkers. The trails here are well-maintained with plenty of trekkers and signs showing you the way.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp:
Jiri is accessible from Kathmandu by bus. At only 2,370 meters, Jiri is the starting point of this trek.
Starting at Jiri, it allows your body to acclimatize at a quick pace. It is an ideal option for those who have never been to higher altitudes. It gives your body the time to adapt at a healthier rate.
Yet, this is one of the longer routes. It is also one of the less trekked routes and perfect for those who wish to avoid the peak season crowds and the plane ride.
It also allows you to explore more villages giving you more glimpses of the traditional, rural Nepali lifestyle.
Gokyo Valley and Renjo La Pass Trek with EBC:
If you want to enjoy more parts of the Everest Region along with EBC, this can be a great option.
On this trek, instead of taking the same trails to and from Lukla, you take a side trip to Gokyo Valley and Renjo La Pass.
In November, Gokyo valley is at its scintillating best. This small village lies at the base of the Gokyo Ri mountain (5,357 m). You can also add the climb to this Ri on your trip.
You can also explore the beautiful Gokyo village with its awesome Gokyo lakes. These lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system at an altitude of 4,700 – 5,000 meters.
Both Gokyo Valley and Renjo La Pass are open and safe to cross in November. You get to explore the Everest region up close.
Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return Trek:
This is the shortest way you can do the EBC trek. You trek the entire way to the Base Camp of Everest and to Kala Pathar.
After this, you return to Lukla by Helicopter and by plane to Kathmandu.
This trek only takes 9 days and is perfect for people who are too tired to do the entire trek. It is also a great option for people who have time constraints but no budget restrictions.
Everest High Passes Trekking with EBC:
If you are looking for more challenge and adventure in November in the Everest Region, Everest High Passes Trekking with EBC is the trek for you.
You will pass high passes like Chola Pass, Kala Patthar, and Renjo La pass.
You will also go to the beautiful Gokyo Valley. November is a great time to do this trek with amazing visibility. It allows you to view the mountains, glaciers, mountain passes, and lakes of the Everest region at their best.
EBC with Island Peak Trek:
If you want more adventure and want to try your hands on climbing without mountaineering experience or equipment, this is the trek for you. Along with EBC, it takes you to the summit of one of the highest trekking peaks of Nepal – Island peak. This peak can be a great introduction to mountaineering in Nepal. It is an excellent choice for potential mountaineers and the more experienced trekkers.
Main Attraction of the EBC Trek in November
Peak tourist and trekking season
November is a peak tourist /trekking month for Nepal. With its favorable climate, it is one of the best months for visits to Nepal.
All the trekking routes and destinations of Nepal are open in November. This month receives the highest numbers of trekkers.
Hence, you will find and meet many other fellow trekkers and visitors on the trails. You can also find trek mates and teams for camping, group treks etc.
Favorable weather
November has great weather conditions and temperatures for treks of all kinds. Regardless of the place or region, you choose to trek in, you can enjoy pleasant weather.
Even the high altitudes of Nepal have more stable weather conditions during this month.
You can enjoy your trek in warm and sunny weather. This month also has very little to no chance of snow or rain. Hence, the trails will be dry and easy to walk on.
Clear and sharp views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscape
The favorable weather conditions mean less humidity with dry and sunny days.
These conditions allow for amazing clear views of the spectacular Himalayas.
From the famous vantage points, you can see the perfect panoramic views of the rugged mountains.
Even the nights offer clear and magnificent views of the night sky.
It is also a great month for photography.
High alpine forests at their best
During your EBC Trek, you will walk across Sagarmatha National Park. It is a home of alpine vegetation.
During November, these are at their best appearance. You can enjoy clean and green forests filled with coniferous trees like pine, birch, juniper, fir, and hemlock.
You can also enjoy the spectrum of flower blooms. During the trek, you can also experience the intoxicating fragrance of the wildflowers.
The beautiful and magnificent view of the traveling sun adds a glorious touch to the colorful hills.
Festive Season
November hosts the biggest festival of the Everest Region- Mani Rimdu.
It is celebrated at Tengboche Monastery (3,867 m), the center of Nepal’s Sherpa community.
You can witness the spectacle of this great and traditional festival. Decked in their finest, the locals celebrate this festival with music, prayers, and picnics.
You can also see the creation of a mandala design made from colored sand brought from the nearby hills.
The local monks of Tengboche Monastery take 4 days to create the masterpiece.
This festival gives an intimate look into the traditions and culture of the legendary Sherpas of the Everest Region.
Disadvantages of Everest Base Camp Trek in November
Crowded Trails
If you are looking forward to a peaceful trekking experience in the Himalayas, then EBC trek in November is not for you.
There are options for more peaceful routes to the EBC. Yet, at the main vantage points and the similar routes, you will face huge crowds on the trails. You will also find them in the accommodations, flights, restaurants, and cafes along the way.
You can opt for more remote and lesser-known trekking regions of Nepal. These are far less crowded than the popular regions of Nepal like the Everest and Annapurna.
Although they are not EBC, they do offer fabulous views of the Himalayas and true Himalayan trekking experience.
Expensive
Due to a large number of crowds and visitors to Nepal, almost every facility charge their regular peak season rate or even higher. Unlike the off-peak season, it is less probable that you will receive discounts and complimentary services.
Other services like meals, drinks, shopping can also be expensive during this month.
Sharing rooms with strangers
If trekking solo, you may end up sharing rooms with strangers. Most of the tea houses provide rooms on a twin-sharing basis. With a large number of guests, the tea houses try to fill all the beds available.
Hence, you may end up sharing rooms with a complete stranger even while trekking alone.
The choice of a room on your own is slim and more expensive.
Things to Know about Everest Base Camp Trek in November
Accommodation, Meals, and Drinks
Throughout the trails, there are several teahouses and lodges. There are also some star-rated hotels till Namche Bazaar. Along with these, there are also some restaurants and cafes.
Almost all the teahouses will stay open for business as November sees a large number of trekkers. Hence, most tea houses fill up quickly. You definitely need to pre-book your rooms.
Else, you may have to camp or even move on to the next village for accommodations.
You may also have to queue for your meals and drinks. Make sure to pre-order your meals during the night for breakfast, so you can start your trek early and not have to wait for your meal.
Flights
Due to the more stable weather conditions and being the peak trekking season, there are more flights in and out of the trekking regions. The flight schedule is also more reliable.
There are fewer chances of flight delays and cancellations. Yet to get the flight schedule of your choice, you need to pre-book it.
Solo or Group Trek
Both solo and group treks to the EBC are doable in November. Due to the high number of trekkers and visitors, you can easily find help and directions if you need it.
Yet, trekking solo in November reduces the chances of you getting accommodation. Most tea houses prefer giving rooms to groups.
With or Without Guide and Porter
You can do your EBC trek in November with or without a guide.
EBC trek is a high altitude trek. There are always chances of altitude sickness, cuts or bruises, and getting lost. Having a guide or porter is important to avoid and overcome these.
In November, many guides and porters will be completely reserved. So make sure you book with your trekking agency in advance to get a reliable and authorized trekking staff.
They can also help to pre-arrange your meals and rooms in advance on the trails. This way you don’t have to wait for your meals or settle for a lesser room.
Packing List
For November, all your trekking essentials for a high altitude trek is an absolute must.
For the latter part of November, make sure to carry a change of winter clothes as well. The temperature does drop as the month progresses.
Make sure to carry power banks and extra batteries. Most of the tea houses fill up and you may not get to charge your electronics.
Travel Insurance
Regardless of the month you travel in, EBC trek is an outdoor adventure activity. Like all types of adventure, this does come with its own risks.
As a safety precaution, having travel insurance is a must.
Most of the travel and trek agencies will not accept you if you don’t have travel insurance. Hence, you should get good travel insurance before you go trekking anywhere in the world.
Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek in November
Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions at high altitudes
Regardless of how good and stable the climate of November is, the weather in the mountain is unpredictable. You may face swift weather changes.
Start early
The days are long, dry, and warm. To enjoy all the trails and nature has to offer, start your day early.
You can then enjoy the views in peace and at your own pace. You will not have to rush and you will reach your destination early giving you time to choose the best accommodations and rooms.
Decide the trekking experience you want
In November, all the routes to Everest Base Camp are open, safe, and doable. Hence, you can choose the route that best suits your needs and preference.
If you are short on time and prefer the company and conversations with fellow trekkers, then the direct way to EBC is the best.
However, if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a longer and laid back trekking experience, then Jiri-EBC is a great option.
This route is also great for a more cultural experience. A guide can enhance your trekking experience with a more in-depth look into the culture and lifestyle of the locals in the region.
Yet, for a more adventurous and wild experience, you can choose routes like Everest Three Pass trek and Everest Two Pass Trek. This route offers crossings of high altitude passes in the Everest Region.
If you happen to be an advanced trekker and have a mountain climbing experience, then Everest Base Camp with Island Peak can be an ideal option. It offers a climb to one of the tallest trekking peaks of Nepal- Island Peak.
Final Say,
November is the peak month for treks in Nepal and to Everest Base Camp as well. Advance booking is a must to get your ideal teahouses, flights, and trekking packages.
You can enjoy your Everest Base Camp trek in the warm, dry, and clear weather with fabulous views throughout the trek.
If you have any further queries or questions related to this trek or any other trek in Nepal, feel free to contact us.
You can also share what your plans are and what you expect from the trek. This way, you can customize your ideal Everest Base Camp trek or any other trek or tour in Nepal.